HCMC
Top 10 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
7th March 2012
Don Ault planned to live in Saigon for one year – that was more than four years ago. He explains what you cannot miss on a trip to this chaotic, yet charming city
1. Explore the city
There is a lot to see and do in Ho Chi Minh City, especially if you're adventurous. Exploring the city on foot is a great way to meet people, discover, and learn more about their culture.
Genuine smiles go a very long way here, which for me, is a good thing. Like many native English speakers, my Vietnamese pronunciation skills leave something to be desired. And while the locals love it (and often expect it) when you spend 15 minutes or more trying to comprehend what theyre saying in English, your time and efforts will rarely be reciprocated in Vietnamese.
Once you're outside of the 'established' foreigner areas such as Districts 1, 5, 8 and Phu My Hung, it may be difficult to find someone who speaks English. A phrase book or dictionary can be a helpful addition to miming.
2. Stop for coffee
I am a coffee freak, and Vietnamese coffee is freaking good – it's inexpensive and available nearly everywhere. Black coffee with ice (ca phe da) is strong and sweet. Condensed milk can be added, giving you coffee milk ice, or ca phe sua da.
Coffee shops are a huge part of the city's culture. From Starbucks to street vendors or side-walk shops, it is hard to beat having a coffee and watching Ho Chi Minh City go by. Prices range from 33 cents from a street vendor, to $3 or more at the top-end places. Deep-roasted Trung Nguyen is the most popular local brand; however with their almost chocolate-like richness, I like other brands even better.
3. Don't fork out on food
Vietnam’s reputation as one of the world’s scrummiest street food nations is well deserved. A valuable lesson I’ve learned here (in more ways than one) is that many of the pricier restaurants are a no-no and disappointing – especially when you combine (more-than-likely)
7th March 2012
Don Ault planned to live in Saigon for one year – that was more than four years ago. He explains what you cannot miss on a trip to this chaotic, yet charming city
1. Explore the city
There is a lot to see and do in Ho Chi Minh City, especially if you're adventurous. Exploring the city on foot is a great way to meet people, discover, and learn more about their culture.
Genuine smiles go a very long way here, which for me, is a good thing. Like many native English speakers, my Vietnamese pronunciation skills leave something to be desired. And while the locals love it (and often expect it) when you spend 15 minutes or more trying to comprehend what theyre saying in English, your time and efforts will rarely be reciprocated in Vietnamese.
Once you're outside of the 'established' foreigner areas such as Districts 1, 5, 8 and Phu My Hung, it may be difficult to find someone who speaks English. A phrase book or dictionary can be a helpful addition to miming.
2. Stop for coffee
I am a coffee freak, and Vietnamese coffee is freaking good – it's inexpensive and available nearly everywhere. Black coffee with ice (ca phe da) is strong and sweet. Condensed milk can be added, giving you coffee milk ice, or ca phe sua da.
Coffee shops are a huge part of the city's culture. From Starbucks to street vendors or side-walk shops, it is hard to beat having a coffee and watching Ho Chi Minh City go by. Prices range from 33 cents from a street vendor, to $3 or more at the top-end places. Deep-roasted Trung Nguyen is the most popular local brand; however with their almost chocolate-like richness, I like other brands even better.
3. Don't fork out on food
Vietnam’s reputation as one of the world’s scrummiest street food nations is well deserved. A valuable lesson I’ve learned here (in more ways than one) is that many of the pricier restaurants are a no-no and disappointing – especially when you combine (more-than-likely)